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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Renderings

  • Rendered: Entry-Level Porsche Roadster

    Rendered: Entry-Level Porsche Roadster November 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Rendered: Entry-Level Porsche Roadster

    Hot on the heels of this morning’s reveal of the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder comes this new computer-generated rendering of what a brand new ‘entry-level’ roadster model from the esteemed sports car company could look like.

    There have been countless reports on Porsche adding a fifth model to its lineup, one that is cheaper than the Boxster and several executives at the company have even hinted at the car. The introduction of such a model would allow Porsche to increase its sales while maintaining exclusivity of hallowed models like the 911.

    If built, the new model could be built along the lines of the original Porsche 914...

    Hot on the heels of this morning’s reveal of the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder comes this new computer-generated rendering of what a brand new ‘entry-level’ roadster model from the esteemed sports car company could look like. There have been countless reports on Porsche adding a fifth model to its lineup, one that is cheaper than the Boxster and several executives at the company have even hinted at the car. The introduction of such a model would allow Porsche to increase its sales while maintaining exclusivity of hallowed models like the 911. If built, the new model could be built along the lines of the original Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Though the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on an advanced mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger. The baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and Volkswagen though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from Volkswagen’s massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4-liter turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170 horsepower and the 125 horsepower turbodiesel four-cylinder. Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200 pounds and 170 horsepower, the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Lotus Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design. There remains no official confirmation of any such joint project as yet--it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that--but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying it into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a model might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance. Read More

  • Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Facelift

    Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Facelift November 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6 Comments

    Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Facelift

    The latest generation W204 Mercedes Benz C-Class has been on sale since 2007 and will be due for its mid-cycle facelift in the second half of next year. As this computer generated rendering suggests, the car’s designers won’t be mucking around with the stylish look of the current model, instead choosing to focus on only minor changes such as new bumper, headlight and wheel designs.

    Besides the styling changes to the exterior, there will almost certainly be some updates to the interior and a number of mechanical changes. The latter will likely include modifications intended to improve the efficiency of the C-Class and boost...

    The latest generation W204 Mercedes Benz C-Class has been on sale since 2007 and will be due for its mid-cycle facelift in the second half of next year. As this computer generated rendering suggests, the car’s designers won’t be mucking around with the stylish look of the current model, instead choosing to focus on only minor changes such as new bumper, headlight and wheel designs. Besides the styling changes to the exterior, there will almost certainly be some updates to the interior and a number of mechanical changes. The latter will likely include modifications intended to improve the efficiency of the C-Class and boost Mercedes’ fleet wide fuel economy and emissions averages. Some of the changes will likely include the addition of new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injected models. Like previous updates, the new changes will be incorporated across the C-Class range but there may also be a major shift in the lineup--the addition of a new C-Class Cabrio and Coupe. As for the Estate wagon, Mercedes-Benz spokespeople have confirmed to TheCarConnection that there are no plans to bring this particular model to the U.S. although we will still get the bigger 2011 E-Class Estate. Mercedes-Benz brought the C-Class wagon to the U.S. from 2002 through 2005, but it was a slow-seller and the current version never made it. Read More

  • Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS November 4th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 4th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

    The Mercedes-Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was first introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the 2010 Porsche Panamera, recently revealed 2010 Aston Martin Rapide and upcoming Audi A7.

    Now, prototypes for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model. The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. This will also allow Mercedes-Benz to introduce a second four-door coupe...

    The Mercedes-Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was first introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the 2010 Porsche Panamera, recently revealed 2010 Aston Martin Rapide and upcoming Audi A7. Now, prototypes for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model. The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. This will also allow Mercedes-Benz to introduce a second four-door coupe model, rumored to be based on its next-generation small car platform. The new design will feature a wider track, as indicated by the extended wheel arches seen on previous test mules, and according to insiders its platform is borrowed from the current S-Class sedan flagship. New to the CLS will be a hybrid option based on the same powertrain as the one used in the recently revealed S400 BlueHybrid. Other engine options will include both V-6 and V-8 powerplants, and there will be a high-performance AMG model, which you can see spy shots of by clicking here. Also rumoured to be in the works is a new ‘shooting brake’ variant, which you can read about by clicking here. Read More

  • Rendered: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift

    Rendered: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift October 27th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 27th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Rendered: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift

    We have seen photos of the facelifted version of the BMW X5 before, but now we can show the vehicle completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut by the end of this year--albeit, in computer-generated form. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-cycle update, coming in just in time for the 2010 model year.

    Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers added both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside,...

    We have seen photos of the facelifted version of the BMW X5 before, but now we can show the vehicle completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut by the end of this year--albeit, in computer-generated form. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-cycle update, coming in just in time for the 2010 model year. Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers added both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside, such as the addition as BMW’s second-generation iDrive system, and new alloy wheel designs should also make the cut. The current lineup of engines will carry over largely unchanged but there will be the new hybrid model. Another new addition will be the xDrive 50i complete with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the X6. So, when will the facelifted BMW X5 be unveiled? The most likely point would be next year’s Detroit Auto Show in January but an earlier reveal at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show in December cannot be discounted. Read More

  • Rendered: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift

    Rendered: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift October 22nd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 22nd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Rendered: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift

    Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of the year or early next. Today we have a computer generated rendering for the updated Coupe, previewing the new two-door ahead of its expected unveiling at either December’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show or January’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

    Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe and Convertible should incorporate sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

    The interior will get a new look as well, with improved...

    Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of the year or early next. Today we have a computer generated rendering for the updated Coupe, previewing the new two-door ahead of its expected unveiling at either December’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show or January’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe and Convertible should incorporate sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track. The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 Gb hard drive music and navigation system. Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the two-door models include a brake energy regeneration system, an autonomous engine stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance. Read More

  • Rendered: 2011 BMW 5-Series

    Rendered: 2011 BMW 5-Series October 21st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 21st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 10 Comments

    Rendered: 2011 BMW 5-Series

    With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift now on sale and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also in showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions now just months away from launch speculation about their final design has been heating up.

    The new 5-series Sedan is expected to arrive early next year as a 2011 model, making its world debut at March's 2010 Geneva Motor Show. These latest computer generated renderings, based on recent spy shots, give us a clear indication as to what BMW...

    With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift now on sale and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also in showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions now just months away from launch speculation about their final design has been heating up. The new 5-series Sedan is expected to arrive early next year as a 2011 model, making its world debut at March's 2010 Geneva Motor Show. These latest computer generated renderings, based on recent spy shots, give us a clear indication as to what BMW designers have planned for the new sedan. Most of the planned changes for the 2011 BMW 5-Series, however, are skin-deep. Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X6 and new 5-series GT is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbodiesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is also expected to launch two hybrid versions of the new 5-Series: a ‘mild’ hybrid gasoline-electric version similar to the recently revealed ActiveHybrid 7 as well as a diesel-electric version. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox, however a new eight-speed unit from ZF is also expected to be available. New EfficientDynamics technologies will also be available, such as specially designed aerodynamic wheels and brake-energy regeneration systems. Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a mix of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models will possibly include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight. Read More

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